Popping Good

Caramel corn has a special place in the lives of Jody and Alan Wagner. Alan incorporated caramel corn into his marriage proposal to Jody. He placed an engagement ring in the prize envelope at the bottom of a Cracker-Jack® box so that Jody could find it. To this day, over 28 years later, Alan still will not divulge the secret of how he got the ring into the box!

When the couple moved to Virginia Beach from Chicago, they longed for their frequent walks to buy and munch on fresh caramel popcorn. So, after much trial, error, garage based science, tasting, and testing, “Secret Recipe #53 Caramel Corn” was perfected!

Jody’s of Virginia Beach, opened in September 2005, offering four flavors of popcorn – Secret Recipe #53 Caramel Corn, Cinnamon Toast, (“great for breakfast!”) White Cheddar, and Cheesy Jalapeño. Today, the store offers over 19 flavors of popcorn, 10 flavors of fudge, caramel and chocolate dipped apples and more. Newly certified by the OU, the company ships its products all over the world.

Their “Yum-o” White and Dark Chocolate Drizzle Secret Recipe #53 was featured as a Snack of the Day on the Rachael Ray Show. This is the original Recipe # 53, hand drizzled with premium chocolates. KosherEye tasted this. Much to our regret, we must report that it destroyed our will-power and we couldn’t stop eating until the bag was empty! Beware, chocoholics, this flavor is decadently addictive. We also particularly enjoyed the Caramel and Cashew variety. We “see” more flavors in the future of this company. Creative Dr. Alan Wagner, a practicing Ophthalmologist, is still creating new flavors for his wife, Jody, who is the president of the company.

At Jody’s popcorn, staff is encouraged to participate in community events and charitable involvement. In fact, to help charitable, religious or educational groups raise money for their good works, Jody’s has developed a fundraising program. Contact Debbie@jodyspopcorn for more information.

A company challenge: If you have an idea for a treat that you want Jody’s to try, email Jody at jodyspopcorn.com and share your suggestions. If Jody uses your recipe, “we will name the treat after you, and provide you with a lifetime supply of the delicacy.” Now that’s a sweet offer!

Jody, Ms. Traifie KosherEye is hog wild over chocolate, caramel, pecan turtles… Can you make her some?